Common Ground (The Common Ground Trilogy Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

able to find four seats right next to each other about half way up. After about ten minutes, the room was completely full, and some late stragglers actually had to stand along the walls and take notes standing up. After another minute, an older, balding man and a younger, more attractive man entered the room and stood at the podium, dressed very professionally in full, black pin striped suits.
    “Good morning, and welcome to the University of Las Vegas. We’re so delighted to see you all here this early. You know, one of the first things I notice every year is how excited students are to know that classes start two hours later than in high school!” the older man said cheerfully to a resounding applause from the packed house. “I’m President Goodwin, and this is Dean Bradley.”
    “The next four years of your lives are going to have many ups and downs, abundant surprises and many happy memories. Our goal with this orientation is to give you a basic idea of what to expect your first few weeks here. We want you to know where all campus services are located, how to utilize your ID cards, and also to explain how campus advisors work,” he continued.
    “This first week of school is designed only for freshman, to help you get a feel for the campus and how things work, without the craziness that accompanies upperclassmen. As the week progresses, you’ll meet with all of your professors and start your first class, Perspectives. It’s a course designed specifically for freshmen to get used to the rigors of college academia. You will listen to fascinating lectures from some of the top scholars in the country, take notes and participate in intense discussions and debates. Finally, you will be writing three papers over the course of the semester to familiarize yourself with our writing guidelines and expectations.”
    At that point, I glanced at Annie whose face had gone colorless, with her eyes bulging out of their sockets.  I patted her knee and smiled encouragingly, trying to let her know she’d be fine, which I knew would be true.
    “The students in your Perspectives class are also the same students in your orientation group. After your class today, each group will be meeting with your orientation leaders, who will give you a campus tour. If you look in your orientation packets, you’ll find your schedule with all the classes you registered for earlier this summer. On the bottom left-hand corner of your schedules, you’ll see the names of your two upperclassmen leaders,” he said, giving us a minute to find and look over our schedules. As I reviewed my schedule, I noticed Simi Miller and Liam Talbott in small print at the bottom. I looked over at Annie’s sheet and saw we were in the same group and a huge smile had replaced the look of fear.
    “Do you think it’s the same guy from yesterday?” she whispered excitedly.
    “Liam isn’t really a common name, so it’s definitely possible,” I shrugged, observing the rest of my schedule. Something inside was hoping it wasn’t the same guy. He sounded too pushy and assertive trying to get Annie to do something she wasn’t sure of doing.
    “Remember, your orientation leaders are here to help you with any problems you may face with your transition onto campus. They are your friends and will lend a helping hand, or ear, if you need them. Their guidance extends all year long so don’t be afraid to use them if you have any troubles,” he said sternly.
    “Now, before you leave here and go to your Perspectives class, our Dean of Students has a slideshow presentation on the city, and what types of services you may find useful during your time in Las Vegas. Dean Bradley, the floor belongs to you…” he finished, to a round of applause. They shook hands as the Dean took the stage.
    Dean Bradley gave a much less personable welcome.  After a few seconds, the lights dimmed and the presentation started. It was twenty minutes of insanely boring maps, photos and telephone